PCGS Set Registry Notable Mentions for 2021

PCGS added many sets to the PCGS Set Registry during 2021 for collectors to build. Some sets proved to be more challenging than others to complete. Take, for example, the Greece 30 Drachmai Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1963-1964). This set contains only the 30 Drachmai denomination dated both 1963 and 1964 that has two varieties. Only three coins exist within this short set that can be somewhat easily completed. However, obtaining coins graded MS67 and higher will prove to be somewhat elusive when completing and competing for the best set.

The 1963 issue celebrates the centennial of the royal dynasty of Paul, George II, Alexander, Constantine I, and George I who reigned from 1863 through 1963. The obverse and reverse display masterful engravings for the coin enthusiast to admire. Our second coin, dated 1964, celebrates the royal wedding between Constantine II and Princess Anne-Marie of Denmark. Two varieties exist for the 1964 issue: Large Edge Lettering and Small Edge Lettering. Lifelike portraits that are sharply detailed will surely catch the collector’s eye and attention. Both dates and sides were engraved by Vasos Falireas, who was a Greek sculptor that studied at the Athenian School of Fine Arts. His work also includes the statue of Leonidas in Thermopylae that was erected in 1955.

Moreover, our launch of the “Monarch” sets for Australian collectors has received a warm reception by PCGS members. Many sets were recommended by Drake Sterling and Imperial Coins in Australia. The recommended sets continue to be well received and Australia continues to be our second-largest market behind the United States, in terms of submissions. We launched additional Monarch sets for members who collect coins from Great Britain as well, and they can be found within our British Monarch Sets listing on the PCGS Set Registry. Many of these sets pose a challenge to collectors and consist of complete runs of all denominations within the series. Vintage sets could be challenging to collectors who are beginners, for some issues can be extremely condition sensitive (and difficult) to acquire in MS designations.

One of the most challenging sets that we introduced this year was the Australian Three Monarchs Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1911-1964). This set is a combination of coinage from George V, George VI, and Elizabeth II, which spans 50-plus years from 1911 to 1964. The number of items required to complete the set is 333 and our member “Timbertop” has completed this objective 100% to date! This set contains some jaw-dropping rarities, such as the 1915-H Penny that is graded MS64+RD and the legendary 1923(m) Penny that grades MS65RB and is not required for the set.

We look forward to providing you with more sets to build throughout the new year and beyond. Be sure to bookmark www.PCGS.com/setregistry and scroll down to "Set Registry News" to keep an eye on new set composites. Without the support of our members, the PCGS Set Registry would not be what it has become over the years – 138,268 sets strong!